What is a primary goal of documenting lessons learned in training as emphasized in FM 7-1?

The primary goal of documenting lessons learned in training, as emphasized in FM 7-1, is to inform and improve future training effectiveness. This process allows units and individuals to analyze what worked well and what did not during training exercises. By capturing these insights, organizations can identify best practices, adjust training methodologies, and implement changes that enhance overall performance and readiness. The ongoing cycle of learning and adaptation is crucial for developing effective training programs that meet the evolving demands of military operations.

While fulfilling administrative requirements and satisfying regulatory bodies are important aspects of military operations, they are not the main focus of documenting lessons learned. These elements serve more as complementary functions to ensure accountability and compliance but do not directly contribute to the enhancement of training outcomes like effective lessons learned do. Creating a competitive environment may be beneficial in some contexts, but it does not align with the primary objective of fostering improvement and learning through the documentation of experiences gained during training.